London Derby: Arsenal v Tottenham Preview

onNovember 17, 2012

Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates in the first North London Derby of the season with both sides looking to pick up maximum points in order to keep their bid for top four ticking and alive.

The Gunners are coming into this match on the back of a frustrating 3-3 draw at their own backyard against Fulham last weekend, while their last victory in the league came against relegation fodders Queens Park Rangers last month.

On the other hand, this is the first taste of North London derby for new manager Andre Villas-Boas, whose side has slipped to seventh spot in the league after back to back defeats against Wigan & Manchester City respectively.

Team News

Arsenal: First choice goal keeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could well make a return to the first team while youngster Jack Wilshere who played in the midweek international friendly against Sweden will be available after suspension.

Tottenham: Spurs will welcome back winger Aaron Lennon, who has recovered from a hamstring injury while Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker, who also had hamstring complaints, will walk into the side with ease. Mousa Dembele is out for the trip with a hip injury while long-term absentees Scott Parker (Achilles), Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) all remain sidelined.

Form guide

Arsenal:

27/10/2012 (PL) Arsenal 1-0 QPR

30/10/2012 (Capital One) Reading 5-7 (Ext. time) Arsenal

03/11/2012 (PL) Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal

06/11/2012 (UCL) Schalke 2-2 Arsenal

10/11/2012 (PL) Arsenal 3-3 Fulham

Spurs

28/10/2012 (PL) Southampton 1-2 Spurs

31/10/2012 (Capital One) Norwich 2-1 Spurs

03/11/2012 (PL) Spurs 0-1 Wigan

08/11/2012 (Europa League) Spurs 3-1 NK Maribor

11/11/2012 (PL) Man City 2-1 Spurs

Last time when the two sides met at the Emirates, Arsenal came from behind to win by 5-2 in February. But Arsenal’s recent records at home are not convincing at all, having won only two of their last eight Premier League games at the Emirates. Thereby, expect few surprises today, and of course a feisty affair as always.

Who will win the first North London derby of the season? Let us know your predictions below…